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Kind heart Quote by Esther M. Friesner

“He took a damp scrap of cloth from a shallow bowl on the floor and dabbed it softly across my brow. It felt good. Iolaus was a warrior, the nephew of the great hero Herakles himself, yet he had a light touch and a kind heart. “How did you find me?” I asked him. “I was coming down from the palace…” quote by Esther M. Friesner
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““He took a damp scrap of cloth from a shallow bowl on the floor and dabbed it softly across my brow. It felt good. Iolaus was a warrior, the nephew of the great hero Herakles himself, yet he had a light touch and a kind heart. “How did you find me?” I asked him. “I was coming down from the palace to have another look at the Argo when I saw the crowd you’d attracted. There were too many people to see what was going on, but I had a fine view of things when you collapsed. I thank almighty Zeus that I recognized you, because you were the last person I’d expect to find in Iolkos, in the middle of a brawl. I almost had to get into one myself with that slave of yours. He was ready to fight me to the death when I tried to pick you up and get you out of the sun.” “ Stop calling Milo my ‘slave.’ He’s my friend, and he’s as free as you are!” I spat out the words with so much force that Iolaus raised his hands to ward off my anger. “Lady--Glaucus--what can I say? I only remember him from King Oeneus’s palace in Calydon, where there’s no denying he was a slave. And he certainly is your friend. He let me carry you away only after I whispered your true name.” “Where is he now?” I asked, placated by Iolaus’s explanation. “You never told me.” “I sent him for more water.” “Oh.” A fresh thought came to my mind. “Iolaus, you spoke of my brothers. You can’t tell them I’m here. Please.” He looked puzzled. “I thought you came to Iolkos to find them. I’ll tell you the truth, I’ve been sitting here wondering what could’ve happened to make a girl like you risk the journey here. When your brothers showed up in Prince Jason’s company, they told me how you’d all traveled together as far as Delphi, where they’d left you safe, yet now…here you are.””

Esther M. Friesner

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Argonauts' Return by Esther M. Friesner, 1999

A compassionate rescuer offers gentle aid amid chaos, revealing hidden loyalties and the complexities of freedom and friendship.

In simple terms: Kindness can appear even in violent settings.

Key Takeaway

Offer help without expecting reward.

Themes

compassion friendship freedom identity loyalty

Mood

hopeful tense reflective

Type

dialogue mythic character‑driven

When to use this quote

  • rescuing a wounded ally
  • mediating a brawl
  • protecting a friend
  • navigating social hierarchies

Key Concepts

mythology humanity service

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance empathy with self‑preservation?
  • When does aid become manipulation?
A Different Perspective

The narrative assumes all parties act rationally, ignoring possible ulterior motives.

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